Can a Degree Wellness franchisee modify the marks in any way?
Degree_Wellness Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
g or after the term of your franchise contest, or assist any other person in contesting, the validity or ownership of any of the Marks.
You must use the Marks as the sole identification of your franchise, but must also identify yourself as the independent owner of the franchise in the manner we prescribe. You may not use any Mark as part of any corporate or trade name, or with any prefix, suffix, or other modifying words, terms, designs or symbols, or in any modified form. You also may not use any Mark with the sale of any unauthorized service, to promote any business or commercial venture other than your Studio franchise, or in any manner we have not expressly authorized in writing. You must prominently display the Marks on or with franchise posters and displays, service contracts, stationery, other forms we designate, and in the manner we prescribe; to give any notices of trade and service mark registrations and copyrights that we specify; and to obtain any fictitious or assumed name registrations that may be required under applicable law.
You must immediately notify us of any apparent use of, or claims of rights to a trademark identical to or confusingly similar to the Marks. You may not communicate with any person other than us and our counsel about the apparent infringement, challenge, or claim.
Source: Item 13 — Trademarks (FDD pages 45–47)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Degree Wellness's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are explicitly prohibited from modifying the brand's trademarks in any way. The FDD states that franchisees must use the marks as the sole identification of their franchise, while also identifying themselves as the independent owner in a manner prescribed by Degree Wellness.
Specifically, a Degree Wellness franchisee cannot use any mark as part of any corporate or trade name, or with any prefix, suffix, or other modifying words, terms, designs, or symbols, or in any modified form. Furthermore, franchisees are not allowed to use any mark with the sale of any unauthorized service, to promote any business or commercial venture other than their Degree Wellness studio franchise, or in any manner not expressly authorized in writing by Degree Wellness.
This restriction is typical in franchising, as it protects the brand's uniformity and reputation. Degree Wellness retains the right to modify or discontinue the use of any mark, and franchisees must comply with these changes at their own expense, without reimbursement for any loss of revenue resulting from the modified or discontinued mark. This underscores the importance of adhering to Degree Wellness's brand standards and trademark usage guidelines to maintain consistency and avoid potential legal issues.